Land Dispute Along Nepal Border Escalates Further

The land dispute along the Nepal-India border has intensified, with Nepal increasing its intervention in the region. Recently, teams from Nepal’s Shukla Phanta Sanctuary, accompanied by other officials, arrived on six elephants and initiated efforts to install international boundary pillars.

Indian Authorities Intervene

Upon receiving information, teams from India’s Forest and Revenue Departments arrived at the location and engaged in discussions with the Nepali delegation. However, after a contentious exchange, the Nepalese team claimed the land as their territory and returned.

A Long-Standing Dispute

The area along the India-Nepal border near the Kalyanpur tehsil has been embroiled in disputes for years. The land in question falls between the Ramnagar and Gunghan villages. Uncertainty over the distance between international boundary pillars 27 and 28 has long been a point of contention.

The situation worsened after floods in recent years, which led to disputes over land demarcation and ownership. The lack of a joint boundary survey between the Tiger Reserve authorities and the Revenue Department has further complicated the issue.

In 2019, following a survey conducted by Nepal, two sub-pillars were installed between boundary pillars 27 and 28. However, the installation of additional pillars remains incomplete, adding to the tension.

Nepal’s Increased Intervention

Indian residents in the disputed region have consistently resisted Nepal’s attempts to claim the land, asserting their ownership through land deeds and continuing agricultural activities. Last month, Nepalese forces and officials from the Shukla Phanta Sanctuary escalated their intervention, even detaining two Indian residents. The Nepalese military accused the Indian villagers of encroaching on Nepali territory.

Contentious Discussions

The tension resurfaced on Thursday when a Nepali government delegation, accompanied by Shukla Phanta Sanctuary officials, arrived on elephants and announced plans to install boundary pillars. Teams from India’s Revenue Department, Tiger Reserve, and surveyors engaged with the Nepali officials in discussions.

Nepal’s delegation firmly claimed ownership of the land, raising strong objections to alleged encroachment and agricultural activities by Indian residents. In response, Indian villagers demanded alternative land in exchange for any relocation.

Report Submitted to Authorities

Regional official Gajendra Singh confirmed that joint discussions were held with the Nepalese team, following which they left the area. A detailed report on the incident has been submitted to higher authorities for further action.

Need for a Resolution

This ongoing border conflict highlights the urgent need for scientific and collaborative efforts from both nations to resolve the issue amicably and prevent further escalation.